Publisher's Synopsis
The gopher turtle earned its name because it digs deep burrows-like a gopher. This large turtle, which can weigh up to 11 pounds, has scaly, shovel-like front legs that are specialized for digging. It lives in the southeastern United States and is the only turtle native to the area. It became the official state turtle of Florida in 2008. The gopher turtle is a keystone species, meaning that it's very important to the health of the ecosystem it inhabits. Gopher turtle burrows provide shelter to hundreds of different animals, ranging from frogs to owls and even endangered indigo snakes.
